Answers · UK 2025/26
What is the difference between National Living Wage and Real Living Wage?
The National Living Wage (£12.21/hour from April 2025) is the statutory minimum for workers 21+ set by government. The Real Living Wage (£12.60/hour, London £13.85) is voluntary, calculated by the Living Wage Foundation to reflect actual living costs.
Full answer
Two different "Living Wage" figures in the UK. National Living Wage (NLW) — statutory, set by the Low Pay Commission and enforced by HMRC. From 1 April 2025: £12.21/hour for age 21+, £10.00 for 18–20, £7.55 for 16–17 and apprentices. Employers must pay at least these rates. Real Living Wage (sometimes "London Living Wage") — voluntary, set by the Living Wage Foundation based on actual cost of living. 2025 rates (effective from October 2024 announcement): £12.60/hour UK-wide, £13.85/hour in London. Over 14,000 UK employers are accredited Living Wage Employers — they commit to pay all directly employed and regularly subcontracted workers at least the Real Living Wage. Key difference: NLW is a legal floor; RLW reflects what someone actually needs to earn for a basic standard of living. Annual increase pattern: NLW rises in April, RLW in November. Both apply to age 18+ in most cases (RLW has lower threshold than the NLW age-21+ rate).
Try the calculator
Related guides
More answers
This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.